Sacramento – The following is a statement made by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes in connection with her appointment by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), to serve on the conference committee on Senate Bill 901 to address wildfire preparedness and response.

“I am honored that Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon appointed me to the Conference Committee on Wildfire Preparedness and Response. Over the last year, communities throughout California have been devastated by fires that will have impacts that will be felt for generations to come. Unfortunately this rampant fire danger is becoming the new normal as California faces the effects of climate change. Given this dynamic, it is critical that both houses of the legislature come together and respond. This Conference Committee is tasked with the considerable responsibility of ensuring that we have sound policies to prevent, mitigate and respond to fire danger and other disasters. I look forward to working with my colleagues and stakeholders on finding equitable solutions that protect our infrastructure and give us a firm foundation moving forward.”

2017 was the most devastating year on record for fires as CALFIRE and the U.S. Forest Service reported almost 1,250,000 acres burned and over $10 Billion in insurance claims. In response, Governor Brown and state legislative leadership announced this conference committee to discuss financial responsibilities for fire damage, fire prevention and to develop more expansive and detailed wildfire preparation plans.

Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.